New Zealand Friday named star batsmen Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra to New Zealand’s squad for the two-match home Test series starting next week against an inexperienced South African side.
Williamson returns to the Black Caps after a hamstring strain ruled him out of the recent 2020 series home win over Pakistan, which New Zealand won 4-1.
Rising star Ravindra, fresh from being named the International Cricket Council’s emerging player of the Year, will take Henry Nicholls’ place in the middle order, New Zealand Cricket said.
Ravindra, 24, will be making only his fourth appearance since his debut against India in 2021. Pace bowler Kyle Jamieson is also returning from a back injury.
Uncapped seamer Will O’Rourke will be added to the squad for the second Test in Hamilton starting on February 13, when he could make his debut.
The first match begins on February 4 at Mount Maunganui, with hosts New Zealand chasing a first-ever Test series victory over the Proteas.
South Africa have named an inexperienced squad, with most of their first-choice players committed to the domestic Twenty20 competition.
Neil Brand is one of the eight members of the 15-man Proteas team who have not yet played in a Test match. With 15 appearances, fast bowler Duanne Olivier has the most experience in Test matches.
Squad
Tim Southee (capt), Tom Blundell, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke, Mitch Santner, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
